A Call to Action: Creating Community in Firehouses

Virginia Clagg
Apr 27
2 min read

Imagine having a job where you work just 8 days a month…And on one of those days, you witness someone die. Now imagine doing that for 30 years. It wears on you. This is the reality of a firefighter's career.

Firefighters see unimaginable tragedy regularly—and that trauma takes a toll. Each year in the U.S., we lose approximately 105 firefighters to suicide. Not to the flames. Not to the hazards. But to the silent battle inside.

In every neighborhood across America—within just half a mile of your home—there’s a firehouse.And inside that firehouse are 8 to 10 firefighters, serving with courage and commitment.

But here’s the truth:

47% of firefighters report suicidal thoughts.
19% have made a plan.
15% will die by suicide.

This isn’t just about statistics. This is about people. People who live on your block. Who respond when you call for help. Who are quietly suffering—not from danger on the job—but from mental and emotional burnout.

And it’s not just them.

Firefighters also report:

30% higher rates of alcohol misuse
10% higher pill use
13% struggle with gambling
37% with pornography addiction

And their families? They carry secondary trauma—seeing their loved ones leave home under stress, exhausted, emotionally distant, or in danger.

This leads to:

A 30% higher risk of mental health struggles in spouses and children.
A breakdown in emotional stability, communication, and connection.

So what are we doing about it?

There are support systems in place:

Peer Support Programs
Online Family Groups
Counseling & Wellness Programs
Residential Retreats
Crisis Response Teams

But we can do more. As the son of a firefighter, and as someone currently studying Fire Science, I believe it's time to expand the support network—not just for firefighters, but for the entire fire family.

Here’s the vision:

A boots-on-the-ground family support initiative in every local firehouse.Programs that promote connection, wellness, and resilience for both firefighters and their families.

Imagine:

Family Days at the Firehouse – Saturdays filled with games, meals, and bonding time.
Support groups like:
- Firewives Club – for spouses
- Firefly – for young kids and parents
- Teen Squad – for ages 14+
- “Ember” Date Nights – for couples to reconnect
Work-Life Balance Plans that help firefighters strengthen relationships at home.

What’s the barrier? Time. Management. Coordination.

What’s the ask?

Start the conversation. Build a task force made up of volunteer family members, wellness professionals, and leadership. Present the vision to your station. Get involved. Even small steps make big change.

All firefighters have to do… is show up.

The bottom line:

Firefighters and their families are struggling—but they also want to be involved, to feel connected, and to heal together. When families bond, stress and anxiety go down. When firefighters feel supported, suicide and addiction rates go down. When we involve families, we build a resilient, ready, and connected fire community.

In Conclusion:

Together, we can change the future of fire service. Together, we can save the lives of those who save ours. Today is a good day to begin to build a bigger more bonded first responder community.